In nearly 1,000 possessions prior to the playoffs, Golden State had a plus-12.8 net rating when Butler was on the floor without Curry. In those same non-Curry minutes, Butler averaged 24.9 points and 7.6 assists per 75 possessions, with a 63.7 true shooting percentage.

The Golden State Warriors had one pathway, and one pathway alone, to staying in their second-round series vs. Minnesota long enough for Stephen Curry to get back with a realistic chance to make a difference: Jimmy Butler had to step out of this so-called Robin role that he has so enthusiastically embraced and actually put his Batman suit back on.

San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) dribbles upcourt against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter during g